Huntington, New York
The Happy Athlete
Thomas McHale's notions for paying his college tuition ranged from taking chances at the gambling tables in Atlantic City to working behind the counter at his parents' deli on Long Island.
Both worked, as did his romance with his wife, who said it was love at first sight on her second day at college at Oneonta State University in upstate New York. "I would never believe it was possible," Taryn McHale said of falling in love on the spot, "but it was."
They were married in 1996 and their son, Collin Thomas, was born on Oct. 18, five weeks after Mr. McHale was killed in his office at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he was a mortgage security broker.
Collin is going to follow his father as an athlete, Mrs. McHale predicted — her husband played basketball at Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville and at college and was a winner in golf tournaments.
"He has my husband's disposition," Mrs. McHale said of her son. "He is calm, laid back and happy. And he has my husband's hands."
As mentioned previously, i did finally manage to take my son Michael to meet you and say a prayer all the way from Ireland. Rest in Peace Tom. Love Vincent Flynn, Wicklow, Ireland
20 years and we still remember you Tom.
Rest in peace
Vincent Flynn
September 11, 2021 | Wicklow | Friend
I never met Thomas, but he has made such a difference in my life. I bought a bracelet bearing his name about 3 months after this horrific act of violence. I wanted to do something to help this country. Through a charitable fund, I not knowing whose name I would receive , I received a bracelet ...Thomas McHale . I researched what a wonderful young man he was. I wear my bracelet bearing his name every year on his anniversary. Wanting the family to know, I hope they are well and think of...
Mary Greene
September 10, 2021 | Hamburg, PA | Acquaintance
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Jacqueline Cresswell
September 11, 2019 | Greenlawn, NY | Friend
I will never forget that a Thomas Michael McHale gave the ultimate sacrifice. I have thanked him everyday for 15 years. I won't forget.
Thomas McHale
September 18, 2016 | Sykesville, MD
Tommy, I was a childhood friend of your
brother Joe. While our paths went in different directions after high school I will always remember how close he was to you as a youngster. You were tough and funny and I will always cherish those days at your mom and dads house playing ball and eventually tearing down the rim. (They weren't happy). I didn't see your obituary until the 10th anniversary and now you have become a part of my frequent reflections about others I knew that passed that...
Jim Wright
September 08, 2016 | South Huntington, NY
Tommy, as we approach September 11th, I am reflecting on the events of that awful day. I choose however to focus on the last time I saw you at a family reunion. There was a brilliant light shining through your eyes which I remember thinking about often after that day, and then Sept 11th. One year later in 2002, you came thru to me during the one and only time I visited a psychic. We all miss you and love you and will see you again.
September 01, 2014
You will never be forgotten
Taryn McHale
March 20, 2013 | Huntington, NY
Happy 45 Birthday my friend and Cuz..... Miss you! Rest in peace!!
Stephen
Stephen Murphy
November 27, 2012 | Rvc, NY
Dear Tommy,
I dont know how I found myself here but for some reason here I am. It has been such a long time. Maybe I find myself thinking of you as my 25th HS reunion is next month. For some reason today of all days the memories of you are so clear. I have lost so many loved ones recently and I sometimes wonder how others get through the pain and feelings of loss. My sister Danielle is with you now as well as my brother Richard and my beautiful daughter Ava. So many lives taken way to...
Jacqueline Dezelic
August 26, 2012 | Greenlawn